Obituary of Bernice Jean Caminata

Bernice Caminata was born in San Francisco on September 20, 1913, the only child of John and Mollie Caminata. She never married. She died May 14 at the age of 101. Bernice's father was the chief machinist at the San Francisco Examiner, responsible for keeping the printing presses in top working order. Her mother, a homemaker and skilled seamstress, was a member of the Pedemonte family, early settlers in Santa Cruz. Bernice attended San Francisco schools, graduating in 1930 from high school at Lux School of Industrial Training, an all-girl endowment school, and the following year from MacAleer School for private secretaries. In 1934, upon retirement of Bernice's father, the family moved to Santa Cruz, settling on a small acreage off of Ocean Street. Bernice had a varied career, starting out as a bakery clerk, later as an office clerk at the Santa Cruz County Courthouse, and eventually in the Justice Court of Judge Bill Dean. When the judge entered private practice, she became his legal secretary. In the early 1940's Bernice was hired by Dr. Harrington, a Santa Cruz eye, ear, nose and throat specialist, and when the doctor enlisted in the armed forces in WWII, Bernice decided to join the medical corps. After graduating as a WAVE from Hunter College in New York, she served as a pharmacist's mate at a Pleasanton, CA facility, aiding wounded service personnel needing recuperation before re-deployment to the South Pacific. After the war, she was hired by Santa Cruz attorney Emmett Rittenhouse as a legal secretary, a position she held for over 40 years. In 1975 Bernice moved into Villa Santa Cruz Mobile Home Park and in 2009 she moved into Paradise Villa, an assisted living facility in Live Oak. She was blessed with a good clear mind and a keen sense of humor to her final days. She loved arts and crafts, and had a special fondness for ballet dancing, in which she excelled as a child. She often reflected upon the many worldwide travels she enjoyed. A member of the Catholic faith, Bernice regularly attended services in her earlier years at Holy Cross Church. After moving to Live Oak, her affiliation was with Villa Maria Del Mar and later with Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. She was an 81-year member of YLI, Young Ladies Institute, a Catholic organization dedicated to supporting the underprivileged. In 2009 Bernice joined forces with the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, setting up a charitable fund in support of worthy causes, particularly those benefiting children. Her legacy will live on through her generous gift. Survivors include cousins Kathryn Ringgold of San Francisco, Josephine Morenzoni and family of Sonoma, Jack Ringgold and family of Davis, and the daughters of her late cousin Barbara Ulbrich, Lani Sutherland of Los Gatos and Karla Stanchina of Mooresville, SC. A special note of appreciation to Dr. David Pilcher and the entire staff at Paradise Villa for the loving care and many kindnesses over the past six years, and to the Hospice nurses during Bernice's final days. Funeral services will be at Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Efrain Medina of Star of the Sea Church officiating. Immediately following, family and friends are invited to a reception at the Santa Cruz Room. Interment will be in the family plot at Santa Cruz Memorial, and for those who wish, donations preferred to Jacob's Heart, 2007 Freedom Blvd, Freedom, Ca 95019 or Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 920 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, Ca 95066.